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Another break had bestowed upon the theatre, Both families were talking and making themselves quite comfortable in opening up; Señorita Layla was glad to see that things were getting better and much more brighter now that they knew they weren’t alone and that they could confide in each other.

But none more so than Miguel and Mira as they kept glancing at each other from across the room, Sure they both had become great friends, But there was something else there that no one seemed to have the answers to — But only them and them alone. So while their families were distracted in conversation to each other; Miguel ever so nonchalant walked over to Mirabel who was sitting over in the corner sewing to her hearts’ content, Enjoying her time. With Pedro and Dolores occasionally coming over to talk to her.

Miguel smiled, There was something so calming about the way she was just enjoying the quiet and how she hummed ever so quietly to herself— Like She was in her own little world and no one else mattered.

“What you working on?” Miguel called in a sing song tone

Mirabel chuckled as he called to her . “You’ll have to wait and see charro”.

“That doesn’t make me any less curious Mira “. He smiled, “Didn’t you hear curiosity killed the cat?”

Mirabel shook her head laughing at his ridiculous notions. “Si, But the mouse loves making the cat come back for more”.

Miguel chuckled, He knew she had a point he couldn’t disagree with and Clearly Mira liked to catch him right off guard.

He sighed smiling, Sitting down next to her.

“That still doesn’t explain why you’re all the way over here by your beautiful lonesome “. 

Mirabel simply smiled at him, “Well I’m just bored — So I thought why not kill some time”.

Miguel nodded understandably at the fact she wanted to get away from everything; Honestly he couldn’t blame her, Both their families can be rather nosy when it came to them, Wanting to know where they were every minute .

“Understandable, They’re always too nosy for their own good; Seriously, They watch us like hawk just so we don’t hurt ourselves— sometimes I wish they’d just loosen the reins a bit”.

“Right!? It’s not that we don’t love them, It’s just sometimes we need to feel like we have some freedom; It feels like they tighten every single second we’re not where they can see us, I don’t think we can get ten minutes away from them”. Mirabel sighed, Putting the sewing back in her bag before directing her attention straight to the musician 

“Is it just me or do I feel like every time they’re not here I can still hear the screeching or the lectures”. Miguel breathed 

“Right? I can still hear Mamá yelling ‘How many times have I told you Mirabel, When you go somewhere take extra arepas so you don’t get hurt!’

Miguel smiled widely, Finally someone gets it.

“Exactly! I can still hear Abuela Elena yelling it me ‘Mijo, Make sure you eat before you leave— You look like a twig!’

Mirabel sighed banging her hands against her knees. “Right? But there’s always one that still annoys me”.

Miguel nodded, Knowing Exactly What She was talking about.

“Get off the roof before you hurt yourself, I swear to god!” They chorused 

The two laughed at the imitations they made of their family members as they both ended up laughing hysterically; Mirabel sighed whilst Miguel shook his head Burying himself in his hands, Looking as though he might cry from laughter .

“Oh god, I haven’t had this much fun in forever”. Mirabel sighed, leaning with her back against the wall

“Me too, Who knew we’d end up here?” He quipped 

Mirabel shook her head. “ I don’t know but I’m so glad we’re here now”.

Miguel couldn’t help but smile when he looked into her eyes, They were like beautiful sunsets or like embers from a beautiful flame that arose from her soul; Something of which he couldn’t get out of, He wanted to stay in it forever.

Mirabel looked into his eyes and saw them light up just a smidge whenever she was around, She couldn’t deny that his smile gave absolute butterflies whenever she looked at him the way he did.

“What?” He turned to her as she couldn’t help but chuckle 

“Nothing, Really “.

“No, Something is on that beautiful mind of yours, Come on— Won’t you let a poor Musico in”. Miguel pointed to her, Lightly tapping her chest

Mirabel sighed chuckling, “It’s just, I was wondering if anyone has ever told you  how amazing you are when you smile”.

Miguel couldn’t help but turn a little red at the compliment. “No not really, Aside from my famila — So you’d be the first.”

“Really, Huh. I must of caught you off guard then if you’re this speechless “. She giggles 

Meanwhile Isabela was looking to see if her sister wanted something to eat, But when she found the two talking she decided it was best not to interrupt them; Instead she waved Dolores and Mariano over and pointed to them quietly.

“Oh, How cute”. Dolores swooned 

“I’ll say Mi vida, I haven’t seen Mira smile that big in ages”. Mariano joined, Practically melting at seeing the two

Julieta came over wanting to know what all the fuss was about. “What’s happening?”

“They’re talking Mamá, He’s Making Her genuinely smile and laugh”. Isabela sighed softly, Not helping a small smile grace her lips

“Whilst also giving us a tease, About How We’re all overprotective and nosy”. Dolores said

Mariano smirked. “Sounds about right”.

The Rivera’s weren’t out of the spectacle either as they watched the young seamstress and Musico talk and laugh about something’s that were clearly out of their earshot.

“I don’t know what’s happening, But it’s very weird “. Abel was still completely confused 

Mamá Coco, Tia Luisa and Papá Héctor seemed to disagree as they watched Miguel and the way he was hanging on to every word as she spoke and it seemed Mira knew exactly what she was doing; This was entirely new, That much was true.

“I don’t know, He seems quite infatuated with her”. Héctor smiled as he watched

Abel only looked rather closely at the two, “I know it’s just— This has never happened before, I had no idea he could flirt “.

“I’m not surprised In the slightest, I mean he has the natural charm, He was just waiting for the right person— That’s all “. Coco sighed 

“You think?” Luisa said

“I know Mija, You can’t deny the look in their eyes “.

Meanwhile Miguel and Mira talked as if no one was even there — Just the two of them. They had moved on from teasing their families, Although that didn’t stop it from coming up every now and then as a rather hilarious joke between the two.

“Alright I’ve got one, If you were to be a character from your favourite book who would you choose?” Miguel Continued 

Mirabel scoffs as if it were a difficult decision to make. “Charlotte, From Charlotte’s web”.

Miguel did kind of see why she chose that opinion but then again he wanted to know just that little bit more.

“Why’s that?” He coaxed

“Because she puts others before everything else, She values her morals and beliefs as well as her relationships; She doesn’t give up on anyone even if they give up on her, She’s kind hearted, understanding  and has a great sense of achievement— She makes sure that Wilbur is cared for even when everyone else gave up on him or even looked his way, Judging him by the fact he was a pig and could only cause trouble. Even then she risks her social standing and what little she had, To give a chance to Wilbur when no one else would”.

Miguel was utterly amazed at her insight and how she saw the world, Things that happened to regular people must be so boring compared to how Mira saw the world.

“I Sometimes like to think of myself as the ‘Charlotte’ of my Family, Putting my values and morals to the side just so I can give light to someone who really needs it and wants to feel loved; I may be loud and rambunctious on the outside, But I’m quiet and unheard on the inside, At least when someone tells me to stop.” Mirabel Continued 

“Wow, Just Wow— You’re amazing, I mean really I just… Wow”. He was speechless 

Mirabel blushed softly at his words.

“What about you?” Mirabel asked, “What’s your character?”

Miguel thought for a moment before he finally decided, “Vincenzo From the Tuscan’s daughter. Now   when I tried to pick up something new to read; I thought why not give these war stories a try so I did, Anyway— I thought I related to him the most because he has big dreams and just like Charlotte He values his morals and beliefs but he also isn’t afraid to protect and defend the ones he loves. He puts others before himself and he values the mind more than just with the looks, He’s also got that certain charm on him that never fades.”

“He fights for what he believes and is determined to make his dreams a reality, Whilst also supporting his lovely Lizzie and her dreams as well as admiring her mind and ideals, Not just wanting to use her for what she is”. Miguel adds 

Mira was left completely dazed as he had finished, She didn’t think she’d ever meet someone with just as much value as she did — But Oh, how she was wrong; Something told her the way he voiced everything made sense and why he connected to the book and Vincenzo so much, It’s because just like him, He loved to keep others guessing and being more the meets the eye. Much more than the charms and kind heart he has, His words have value and meaning behind them as well as his actions.

Mirabel smiled, “That makes sense, I can see why. Since you’re so protective and defensive, I mean you practically threw yourself between myself and Señora Perezumo Just So I wouldn’t get hurt”.

“Hey, Crazy fish lady deserved it! No one should threaten you like that, ever”. Miguel sighed, “Besides, You’re way too precious to get mixed up with people like that”.

Mirabel blushed at his sweet words, Something made her heart beat faster at the way he phrased such things.

“Gracias I— I don’t think anyone’s thought of me as precious before. Besides the rare cases from Mi famila That is”. She smiled

“Well They should, You’re  more than what people see after all”. He winked and she chuckled softly 
 
Miguel then got up from the spot and then turned to her; Holding out a hand to her as if offering something and she coaxed her head, Just a little.

“Now, I believe before we start this up again”. He gestured to the screen, “ Would The beautiful seamstress grant this poor Musico a dance, That is if she allows it of course “.

Mirabel chuckled softly, Blushing. 

“Why Gracias Señor, I will gladly take that offer”.

Camilo looked like he was about to explode with fury at watching the two as Fèlix held him back. Pepa, Julieta, Augustin, Héctor, Imelda, Daphne, Pablo, Luisa and Enrique all melted smiling; Watching the two step off to the centre of the room.

“Did he just offer his hand?” Socorro seemed all excited

“I think he did”. Antonio and the twins joined in

Layla melted at seeing the two and decided to ‘Help’ them just a little bit; By unknowingly changing their 
Clothes a little without them knowing, Miguel in a charro suit, Mira in a beautiful folkorico skirt and shoes along with the bluebell that he had given her earlier still in her hair.

Daphne and Pablo look like they were going to explode from joy, Watching their Mirabel dance like this again as it had been so long.

Casita watched with interest along with the rest at what was happening.

“You didn’t!” Casita gasped

“Oh I did, it’s been so long— Besides, When they’re done he’s gonna be so shocked she’ll knock him right off his feet”. Layla winked

Most of  the Madrigal Family were completely confused. “What do you mean, What’s happening?”

“You’ll see, just watch”. Casita said

Meanwhile Mira and Miguel are just swaying slowly, Until they hear ‘Mexicana Hermosa ‘ start playing ever so softly just enough so they could hear it but not so loud.

“Do you know this?” Miguel asked

Mirabel smiled, Bowing her head just a little. “Mexicana Hermosa, How could I not”.

Miguel was the most shocked to find that out, But then again he wasn’t that shocked— She was half Mexican after all.

“Shall we?” He bowed, Rather charmingly as he took her hand ever so gently.

Mirabel giggles, As they move to opposing ends of the room before slowly meeting up in the centre as they slowly move around each other; Mira moves her skirt with her stomping her feet as she moves, While Miguel moves with her — With his hands behind his back like any proper Charro would. As they then drift apart before she’s turning back with him and him spinning her with one arm all the way around him, Mira Taking one side of her skirt in one hand moving around him almost as if she were flying.

‘Mexicana hermosa, bandera la latina No te pongas triste, solo mira el cielo 
Si la noche se cubre de estrellas Ya nosotros pasamos el duelo
 Si la noche se cubre estrellas
 Ya nosotros calmamos la pena
  No te pongas triste, solo mira el cielo 
Que la noche es buena para reconciliar los sueños’.

‘No te pongas triste, que tus ojos negros Son la llama inquietad, dulce ardor en mi consuelo  
Mexicana hermosa, morena bendita En tus ojos negros, doblo mis apuestas 
Hoy tu tierra marchita y eterna Ve nacer todo luz en su cuesta
 Hoy tu tierra marchita y eterna Roba besos y da primaveras’.

The whole room went silent as they watched this happen, The Madrigals couldn’t believe their Mirabel could dance like that, Meanwhile Héctor, Daphne, Pablo and Imelda Along with most of the Rivera’s melted at seeing the two dance like this and it felt like an incredible sight to watch.

“Did you know she could do this?” Mariano gasped 

Isabela , Juileta, Alma, Pepa and Camilo all shook their heads while they were watching them.

Meanwhile Augustin looked just as shocked, He knew his hija was proud of where she came from But  he didn’t know she did this.

“Shocked are we?” Daphne called to her son

“I just—“

“Who do you think taught her”. Pablo said, winking at him

“You didn’t “. Augustin starts 

“She wanted to know where she came from, She was very passionate in knowing— Somehow we wonder if you forgot “.

Augustin scoffed at the notion. “Like I’d ever forget, I mean sure I kind of have had the memories fade since I’ve grown but still—“ He sighed

Daphne sighed as she joined her son, Pablo following behind. “Angélito, You know you can always ask. We know you never wanted to know  too much, But even still, Your little girl is here to remind you in case you lose your way; Besides she’s just as passionate now as she was when she was little”. Daphne pointed out

“Tù Mamá is Right, We know you’ll never lose the memories of us or your family, But you just need a little help”. Pablo joined

“Besides, I do miss our precious Mira when she dances like this”.

“I just, I wish I payed better attention, I feel like I let her down “. Augustin starts 

“Now Mijo, No use wallowing in the past— For Something That has been long gone, You know that and you also know she loves you so much”. Daphne points out, “Besides— She’s there to remind you when you feel lost and when you need light”.

Augustin nodded softly chuckling, He was determined by his love for his baby girl— That he will pay better attention then he did in the past, Besides her smile was what he lived for;  Just like his beautiful Julieta.

“You’re right Mamá, I know I can do better; Maybe she can help me remember “.

“That’s the spirit, Although she already is— Just look”. Pablo replies 

Augustin was mesmerised by the way his Mirabel moved and the way she was so happy — Truly happy. As she danced with that Miguel; Of which he was more then overjoyed with seeing the two together and so in love that it melted him completely, Especially When he treats her the way he does; So kind, Gentle, understanding and respectful like a real man should.

Miguel and Mira at this point were  stuck in their own little world, Looking so joyful whilst not taking their eyes off each other as they danced; Stomping their feet with the music, letting it carry them without a care in the world, Mira Continued to twirl her skirts around as he moved in and out beside her— Moving So effortless as he pulled her in.

As they moved closer to each other they felt like they couldn’t breathe, As Miguel watched her eyes light up it was like something had set them off as they were dancing as he slowly dipped her before coming back up, Gently grabbing  her waist so she didn’t fall; Also Gently Tucking a Raven curl behind her ear along  with the bluebell ever so softly.

‘Mexicana mía, preciosa María No te olvides nunca, que eres poderosa
 Que tu manto pasión colorida 
Yo le canto mi copla y mi prosa A tu manto pasión colorida
 Yo le canto para toda la vida  Laralala lai lai, laralala lai lai
 Lai laralai laralai, laralai
 Laralala lai lai, laralala lai lai’.

‘No te pongas triste, que tus ojos negros Son la llama inquietad, dulce ardor en mi consuelo  
Mexicana hermosa, morena bendita En tus ojos negros, doblo mis apuestas 
Hoy tu tierra marchita y eterna Ve nacer todo luz en su cuesta
 Hoy tu tierra marchita y eterna Roba besos y da primaveras’.

 As they came back up and  danced around each other, Spinning and twirling around with the music they couldn’t take their eyes off each other, Mira knew she could trust him. He was never going to hurt her like everyone else did, No — He was her fierce protecter, Her partner in crime; But most importantly her best friend.

But yet something in her heart was telling her more, Was this love? Was this how she felt every time she was around him? 

All she knew was this was something new and she was loving it.

She didn’t want it to stop, Ever.

She couldn’t help but let a few excited happy gritos, Slip her tongue and Miguel was surprised she was able to pull that move as it echoed in the theatre— But he soon followed with a few of his own, Like it was the most natural thing.

As they danced the final part, They did it with such pride and love that it shook the whole room.

“What was that?” Camilo was livid

“Nothing”. Layla smiled softly 

“She’s happy, Finally really happy”. Antonio whispered to Casita 

Casita nodded agreeing. “ That She is Toñito “.

‘Laralala lai lai, laralala lai lai
 Lai laralai laralai, laralai
 Laralala lai lai, laralala lai lai
Ay, Ay, Ay, Ay’.

When thy finished, They were both breathless as they both stomped, Twirled and danced; Miguel couldn’t help but let a few words slip.

“Eso! Mi Hermosa “. He called

Mirabel blushed at the nickname, Although it wasn’t much it still had so much meaning behind it—He just called her beautiful again; Something no one outside her family has ever done; But coming from his lips it sounded so precious.

Did she feel something different, Something new?

As he joined her and dipped her one last time, it felt like he was close to kissing her. So close that her cheeks felt like fire every time he came close—This was something entirely different, Something that gave her butterflies but at the same time it felt so exciting.

“Do we even exist to them right now?” Isabela questioned

“I don’t think so Mija “. Augustin and Pablo said

“I knew it”. Layla sighed, Putting a hand over her heart

“I knew you set them up, You knew this was gonna happen!” Camilo was fuming 

“Camilo love, I didn’t know this was going to happen— I knew they were going to be great friends, But I swear I had nothing to do with this”. Layla retaliated 

“Right, You’re lying”.

“Camilo!” Casita scolded

Layla shook her head. “No Casita he’s right, Maybe I’m not being honest, Although you don’t know that.”

Meanwhile Mira and Miguel were still stuck in the same position they were before; Like they were frozen, but it wasn’t until they got their heads back into reality that they realised they probably should get back to the movie with the others.

“We should get back to the—“ He stopped when he looked directly into her eyes 

Mirabel turned red, Her breath stilled as if she were looking into his soul.

Mirabel Finally spoke.  “You can let me go now”.

Miguel shook his head, When he realised that he was still holding onto her quite gently. “Right— I —I’m Sorry”.

When they finally let go of each other, Their clothes disappeared back to their normal attire. She turned away quickly; Wanting to grab some water, She wanted to ask if he wanted some.

“Do you want some water?”

Miguel shook his head quickly.

Mirabel walked away, She felt like she was running instead. Her heart couldn’t help but beat so fast as it thought of Miguel and how gentle he was with her.

Miguel smiled as he watched her walk away

‘What did I just do, What happened? — My heart’s beating so fast.’

“So, What did we miss”. Rosa teased

“Nothing”. He avoided 

“Really, Your eyes tell a different story”. 

“Shut up”. Miguel blushed, Walking away turning red with embarrassment.

Meanwhile Mira was at the drink table, Drowning herself in water and thoughts; Dolores and  Isabela thought to catch her off guard.

“How’s your heart?” Dolores started 

“Don’t, Just don’t “. Mirabel replies 

“Why? You’re in love with him — Ese Musico guapo “. Isabela chuckled 

“Isa”. She scolded

“Nothing is happening”. 

“Yeah right, We saw the look in your eyes “. Camilo called

“We were just Dancing “.

“More like love binding”. Camilo called

“Will you stop!” Mirabel Continued 

“No, Because this is crazy, You two need to straighten out “. He nagged at her

As she made it back into the central room, Camilo kept nagging her.

Pablo and Daphne could see She was about to explode, Dolores tried to make him stop and so did Isabela Trying to pull her vines back on him.

“This is only because you’re feeling lonely, You don’t feel safe and understood when talking to us”.

Mirabel was about to lose it, she saw red and was about to slap him straight across the face, But resisted the urge.

“Maybe it’s because Miguel treats me like a normal human being, He doesn’t compare me to anyone else  and excepts my flaws for what they are just like I accept his. He doesn’t call me Señorita Madrigal either, But Rather Señorita Rojas; He values me and what I have to say. He gives me a sense of freedom,  I barely get that now since I’m miss miracle saviour all the sudden; I finally have someone who understands me and appreciates me for me and actually helps me instead of asking for anything in return, Do you know how good it feels to actually have someone care about you and not ask for anything in return? I have never felt more free in my life— Since we came to this place and I don’t want to ever let that go. So if you have a problem with that then you can go and sit in the corner and think about it, Cause I’m finally genuinely happy and I feel free; So darn right, l’ll make you listen so you don’t judge me like always and I have a voice and I can use it— So if you don’t like it then you can leave to the other side of the room“. Mirabel sighed, knowing a huge weight has been lifted off her shoulders

Camilo Along with Isabela, Dolores and Mariano were shook.

Bruno was so proud of her, But none more so then Miguel, He didn’t think she’d value his help that much but he was glad she did. 

“Now That is Using your beautiful voice”. He mumbled 

As everyone sat back down back in their regular spots, Mira felt relieved as she sat down next to Miguel.

“That was incredible”. Miguel gasped 

Mirabel giggles softly. “Thanks to you, Gracias for not asking from me”.

Miguel smiled as he took her hand gently . “I would never”. 

She knew she could trust him, As Miguel kissed her cheek gently, She blushed lightly. She didn’t care if her family was watching, She was just glad to have Miguel as her best friend by her side; Just like her voice, She was determined to help him with his when the time came.

But for now as they sat together, They just sat  enjoying the present. Not caring if their families were watching, just enjoying the moment sitting in it.